Replies to '06/08 Deadly Eating'

Hi Paul, I wanted to say that I think that you are brave to go on the Dr. Phil show and tell your story. Thanks for letting us all know your story!  

How long have you felt you have been addicted to food?

For child under 8 or 10 parents control all that food that child consumes.  If a parent gave a child addictive drugs or alcohol that child would be removed from that parent's care. 

If a parent grossly over feeds a child unhealthy addictive foods why should we as a society allow that parent to continue without intervention?

There are thousands of kids who's parents give them what ever they want to "keep them happy" including gross amounts of very unhealthy foods and allow them to sit in front of the tv, computer or gaming machine for hours a day.  If we don't force these parents to get help while there kids are young many of them will end up like you.  It appears this is getting worse as the years go by more and more kids are heading down your path due to over indulgent parents.  Don't you think it would help to force these parents into some kind of parental education and start monitoring these kids?

A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.  This is clear and specific.  Any child with this BMI is clearly at risk for following in your footsteps. 

Should we not as a society make every effort to prevent this rather then continuing to be PC and allow kids to land on this path?

Hi Paul,  

i just wanted to say you have ppl behind u in this hectic journey you have ahead of u. 

just so u know i know how u feel ( the obese stress).   when i divorced 2 yrs ago (ex beat me up) i was pushing 400 lbs.   i am now 295 and still working on losing the last 130.  i read dr phil books and do a lo carb thing.  for me that works.   good luck, im rooting 4 u!!! 

Hello Paul: 

My son Daniel is two years old and was diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome at five weeks old, however his first test for PWS was negative and the test that they used to diagnose him has only been available for about five years.  The new test is called "Methylation test", there are only two labs in the Country that perform this "new" test. 

PWS is the leading genetic cause of morbid obesity and more than 70% of people go undiagnosed throughout their lifetime. 

This is soo sad because there are now treatments avialable to help PWS sufferers.  My son Daniel began Human Growth Hormone shots at 3 months old.  They had told me that he would be 2.5 before he could walk, he walked at 19 months old, he also gets a lot of therapy and nutritional supplements, he just turned 2 and he knows his letters and numbers on sight and on command. 

I applaud you for sharing your story and will look forward to seeing you today on Dr. PHil. 

Sincerely, 

joyce 

Hi Paul, 

I just want to let you know that there are people out there who are pulling for you!  You are incredibly handsome and brave to have lived life as such a big guy.  I am a plus sized girl and I know it is hard to just be 100 pounds overweight, I can only imagine what it is like to be a super sized guy.   

With me, I think alot of overeating is mental.  I.E.  if I am sad or depressed I use food as a drug to self medicate my depression.  I think you should get therapy to talk about your emotional stuff and maybe go on an antidepressant if the doctor thinks thats what you need.   

You are a very good looking guy and so brave and I just want you to know that you have my support.  If you want to change your life, you have the power to do it.  Dont think of it as a big number of pounds you have to lose.  Break it up into tiny goals.  I think you should reward yourself for every 5 or 10 pounds you lose.  Soon you will be getting some hot new clothes, maybe get a video ipod.  Just do small things to pamper yourself and make yourself feel good.  Maybe some designer bath products from Kiehls for men or some cologne.  Find non-food things to treat yourself with and occupy your time with.   

Dont even go on a diet.  Everytime I try diets I fail.  Just make small changes that are healthier.  For example, even tho I would always prefer pizza or pasta instead of a salad, I realized there are some healthy foods that I really enjoy.  I love fruit.  Pineapple and unsweetend applesauce with some cinnamon and equal.  I dont love vegetables, but a big salad with a ton of different ingredients tastes really good.  I also love those baby cherry tomatoes; I just had some yellow ones the other day.  Edamame is great.  If you put some salt on it its a great snack and fun to eat.  Starbucks lattes are really good too.   

The most important thing is, you are a young guy like myself (I am a 29 year old girl) and you have the power to make yourself mobile and get out there and enjoy life.  If I were in Alaska (Im in NY) I would come over and give you encouragement.  You are a very brave guy and I know you are strong and have the power to change your life and become more mobile and have a happy life.  I just want you to know that there are people out there who care about you and support you and want to see you succeed and be happy. 

Hello Paul.. You are quite a brave young man!! I am very impressed with your courage and self confidence. Most people would just keep on the way they always have and you've chosen to ask for help. I wish you all the best and you will be in my prayers until I see you walk out in the sun and feel the wind on your handsome face. Good luck to you and your family.  

Thank you for sharing your story.  I look forward to the updates.  Good luck, and we will be here to support you. 

Karen 

Paul I wish you the best of luck it took alot of guts to come on the Dr Phil show and asking for help is the first step.